Houzz Tour: Wisteria and Light in the French Countryside

This weekend retreat nestled in a hamlet near Versailles, France, was originally a 16th-century presbytery, or clergyman’s home. The owners called upon interior decorator Catherine Sandin to decorate their new country home in light and natural tones. They created outdoor seating areas under trees and on cozy patios to make the most of the bucolic location.

Photos by Stephen Clément

Houzz at a Glance
Location: Île-de-France region, close to Versailles, France
Size: About 1,200 square feet (110 square meters); 2 bedrooms, plus a little stone house, yet to be renovated
Era built: 16th century

The terrace of the house is the place to be to enjoy the morning sunshine and the scent of climbing wisteria.

A long table was installed at the end of the garden overlooking the Yvelines countryside, a magnificent location for leisurely meals with family and friends.


At the back of the house, the owners created a little area for relaxing where they can enjoy the sun during meals and on warm afternoons.


In the living room, once filled with dark wood furnishings, the owners have made light their best friend with soft, natural and bright tones. They painted and added patina to the woodwork, and had ceiling beams sanded and coated in lime, increasing the inside light and the sensation of space.


Candles, old sailing models, frames and a few books all help create the atmosphere of a true country home where one comes to relax and escape the stress of the city.



In the dining room, two small bookcases hide behind white linen curtains. A low couch beneath the window offers a place to rest while enjoying views of the outdoors.


A bonheur du jour (writing desk), found in the barn, was restored with two tones to highlight the sculptures. Interior decorator Sandin added a garden chair to preserve an outside feeling. Next to it, a round, pearl-gray armchair offers a note of comfort.


The crystals of the chandelier, hanging over the dining table, reflect light in the room. On the wall is an untreated wooden clock crafted by Sandin.


Raspberry toile de Jouy curtains complement the red and black tiles of the kitchen. In the center of the room, the interior decorator added a little garden table and matching chairs for a look that is simple and picturesque.


Sandin dressed the beds of the couple’s two granddaughters with old louvers as headboards. She also added lengths of organdy voile to create the feeling of canopies. Two medallions picturing Marie Antoinette hang above the beds, echoing the long historical tradition of the region.


The bathroom is flooded with light, thanks to this roof window. Here the feeling is definitely retro, with ancient-style taps and sink. The towel rail is from a junk shop.


Upstairs the couple sacrificed the attic to have more space for both bedrooms. The coated-pine floors bring warmth to the location, while the roof windows allow plenty of natural light to enter.

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